Ryan Starkey had just sat down to dinner, on one of her rare evenings off, when she heard the bbrrnngg of the doorbell at the door of her expensive apartment. Ryan could barely afford the rent on the salary she made as a nurse at Cedars Sinai, even though she really was paid quite well. She admired the finer things in life and did not like to deny herself any of them. Living in a good neighborhood was one of those things so the location of the apartment made it well worth the price.

Drat, she thought, I was looking forward to a nice quiet dinner. Who could this be?

Throwing her napkin down wrathfully, she rose and hurried to the door.

"Package for Miss Ryan Starkey," the messenger said. "Please sign here," he added, as he held out a clipboard holding a receipt for her signature.

Ryan scribbled her name and took the package gingerly as though it might bite her. As she closed and locked the door she remembered her conversation with the German-accented gentleman during that phone call at the hospital. As if someone were reading her thoughts, the telephone began to jangle.

Picking it up, Ryan said a cautious "Hello."

"Hey, sexy," came the familiar voice, "did you receive the instructions?"

"Oh, Hello Stephen. Yes, I just this minute got a package. What is this all about?"

"Honey, all will be explained when you look at the package. Call me back and let me know what you think. However, my contact will be most displeased if you decline his, shall we say, invitation."

"Okay, Stephen, let me finish my dinner which is now getting cold thanks to all these interruptions. I’ll look this material over and give you a call later this evening."

"Okay, sweet cheeks. Bye for now."

Ryan disconnected the call, frowning. What had ever possessed her to get involved with Stephen Smith? He was turning out to be a real thorn in her side�?/FONT>

Ryan and Stephen had met at Cedars Sinai when she cared for him after the infamous shooting by his wife, rock star Nikki Smith. Stephen had been very persuasive in convincing Ryan that not only had Nikki asked for his infidelity by being cold and spiteful, but that he had been planning on asking for a divorce anyway. Ryan soon found that she was growing closer to him as he confided in her more and more.

Ryan felt sorry for him because of his injuries and was glad to help him during his healing process. She and Stephen eventually became lovers. Even though Stephen could not be a man in EVERY sense of the word, his kisses and caresses were thrilling and he knew just where her most sensitive spots were. He also knew many exciting places to go and be seen, and was generous about spending lots of cash to ensure that Ryan had a good time. Stephen also did his best to introduce her to influential people in the entertainment business that he had met through Nikki because, although nursing was her main profession, Ryan had always had a secret yen to go into show business and had confided her dreams to Stephen.

Now, though, Ryan was wondering if dating Stephen was worth the problems it was starting to inject into her life. She laid the package aside and sat back down to finish her dinner. She would deal with whatever the mysterious package contained later.

As she ate, the package kept drawing her gaze and she hurried through the meal. Hastily clearing the table and stuffing the dishes into the dishwasher, she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and hastened over to the package. Picking it up, she tore it open and glanced quickly through the document it contained, mouth dropping open in shocked surprise. She could scarcely believe her eyes!

Ryan was being offered a small part in a movie starring none other than Kelly "Kilani" Clarkson and R. Justin Guarini, as well as a substantial amount of cash, to see to it that Bunny Hopper stayed at Cedars Sinai hospital for a while longer.

Some miles away Herman Krause sat behind his desk in his penthouse office at Krause Enterprises. Holding the receiver of his private telephone line to his ear, he listened intently to the person on the other end of the line. "Excellent," he said, his lips curved into a small smirk of satisfaction. Replacing the receiver on the cradle Herman thought contemplatively, The girl should have had time to read and consider my proposition. If things work out as I have planned I know that Bonny will stay near her sister giving me ample time to insinuate myself back into the Hopper twins�?lives.

Since Bunny Hopper had been unconscious when found during the fire at her home, and since the furnishings of her room contained elements conducive to the production of hydrogen cyanide when the materials burned, the doctors had decided to treat her conservatively for hydrogen cyanide smoke inhalation. Ryan Starkey read these facts in Miss Hopper’s chart and thought to herself, Bingo, here’s my chance! Just a little too much of the nitrites used to treat Bunny could produce some life threatening but easily combated affects that should keep Miss Hopper in the hospital for a while longer. Just a small change in the numbers in the chart…there, that should do it. What a lucky break that she had intercepted the test results!

A short time later while Ryan was checking on her patient, she noticed rapidly worsening symptoms of anaphylaxis. She hurriedly got the epinephrine which had been brought to Bunny’s room in case it was needed and quickly administered the shot. By that time, other hospital personnel had arrived due to the alarms from the monitors. The slightly higher dose of nitrites had produced exactly the affect for which Ryan had hoped. And she got to be the heroine to boot.

As soon as the patient was comfortable and stable and the excitement was over, Ryan quietly sneaked away and went into the nurses�?lounge. After establishing that she was quite alone, she pulled out her cell phone and dialed the well-known number. When Stephen answered she simply said, "The lady should remain a guest here a while longer. When can I expect to be compensated for her care?"

Across town in her hotel suite, Bonny Hopper hurriedly got herself dressed. The cell phone, at whose private number she had instructed the hospital to call her if there was any change in her sister’s condition, had rung shortly before. Answering its ring with some apprehension, Bonny had been given the terrifying news that Bunny had had an allergic reaction to a treatment for smoke inhalation. Grabbing the phone and her handbag, she ran out of the door.

As she climbed into the cab the doorman had called for her, Bonny thought distraughtly, Bunny just has to get better quickly. She’s always been the stronger of the two of us. I know she needs me, but the more time I spend here the more chance I take of Herman finding me. I am simply not ready to face him. I don’t know what I’m going to do if my disguise as an out-of-town client of Bunny’s fails�?/P>

Priscilla woke with a start. It took a minute for her to realize that what had woken her was sounds coming from Harriet Dunkleman’s room that she had heard through the monitor beside the bed. It sounded as though Harriet was agitated about something.

Coming fully awake, Pris grabbed her robe and put it on. Sliding her feet into her slippers and running her fingers through her sleep-tossed hair in order to smooth it as best she could, she headed for the door and silently walked down the hall to Harriet’s room where she opened the door and stepped inside.

Harriet was pacing the floor, and muttering to herself.

Pris said quietly, "Harriet, is something wrong? What’s troubling you?"

Harriet whirled around and catching sight of Pris she burst into tears. Quickly Pris went to her and gently steered Harriet into one of the comfortable chairs next to the bed.

Pris waited for the tears to subside and then asked Harriet again what the source of her discomfort was and what Pris could do to help. Harriet just shook her head, replied that she was simply being silly and stated that all she wanted was to go back to bed. Pris poured Harriet a drink of water from the crystal pitcher sitting beside the bed and handed her the glass. After Harriet had finished and had gotten into bed, Pris made certain she was comfortable. Assuring Harriet that if should she need anything Pris would be there to help, Pris exited the room and closed the door.

Pris almost let out a shriek as she turned away from Harriet’s door…and bumped right into Brian Dunkleman. "Shhh," said Brian, reaching out to steady Pris, "it’s only me. Is something wrong with Aunt Harriet? I thought I heard her crying."

Pris replied, "Oh, Mr. Dunkleman, you gave me such a start! I wasn’t expecting anyone to be up and around at this hour. Mrs. Krause must have had a bad dream or something…she wouldn’t tell me what was wrong. She just wanted to go back to bed so I’ve made her comfortable and I’m on my way back to my room."

Brian said with a chuckle, "Please, call me Brian. When you call me Mr. Dunkleman, I expect to turn around and find my father’s ghost standing there!" As the smile faded from his face he said, "Seriously, I would like to talk to you sometime…in private…about Aunt Harriet. I’m worried about her. I think something is going on with Uncle Herman and I don’t like it."

Priscilla replied matter-of-factly, "Brian, I’m also worried about Mrs. Krause. She seems to be slipping more and more into a severe depression, or worse. I would be happy to meet with you. Perhaps we can arrange a meeting for my next day off which is two days from now."

Brian replied, "That would be fine. I don’t want Uncle Herman to see us together or he might get the idea we are getting wise to the fact that something is not as it should be with Aunt Harriet. I don’t mind telling you that I don’t trust Herman Krause in the slightest. I believe that Herman Krause is only interested in what is best for Herman Krause!"

Pris took a deep breath and then replied, "Brian, I’m afraid I agree. I know he’s my employer, and I shouldn’t speak of him in this manner but I have watched Mrs. Krause grow progressively worse and I believe it is due in large part to his emotional neglect of her." She is a lovely person and I can’t help but be somewhat angry at her decline."

Brian sighed, "I feel the same way. Let’s meet two days from now after Uncle Herman has gone to his office. We’ll go somewhere away from the mansion, and any prying eyes or ears, have some breakfast, and discuss this further. Until then, I know I don’t have to ask you to keep a close eye on Aunt Harriet. By the way, I don’t want to tip Uncle Herman off so I try to appear unconcerned; that way he’ll be more lax about speaking when I’m around. He thinks I’m just ‘that twit, Harriet’s nephew.�?Therefore, if I seem somewhat distant you know that’s not actually how I feel."

"Fine, Brian. I’m glad you filled me in. I’ll see you around 9:00 AM or so on Friday."

"Great! I’m looking forward to it." Brian watched as Pris walked softly down the hall to her room and entered, closing the door silently behind her. Hmmm, I’m glad to have an ally where Aunt Harriet is concerned. And such a pleasant one at that, he mused.

Bonny Hopper's mind was racing as the cab made its' way from the hotel to Cedars Sinai Hospital through the traffic clogged L. A. streets.  Bonny didn't even notice the hustle bustle of the city.  She had other, more pressing, things to worry about.  Uneasily she pulled a compact from her handbag and took stock of her disguise.  The long red wig and green contact lenses certainly changed her looks dramatically, and she had applied much more makeup than normal.  The clothing she had chosen was also very different from the businesslike suits and tailored blouses she had normally worn.  This disguise simply HAS to work, she thought to herself.  I cannot have Herman Krause knowing I am in the city; I would simply not be able to handle that situation at this time.  I need to be able to concentrate on Bunny!

 

Bonny had called the office of Hopper, Hopper & Boyd from the cab and had tipped off James, Bunny's trusted assistant, that she was on her way to the hospital.  James had smoothed things over with the hospital staff so that there would be no problem with her seeing Bunny.  Bonny didn't know how he had done it, but she was ever so grateful that he had.  That boy had proven his worth more than once.  Bunny Hopper had done her homework on James and had found him to be eminently trustworthy.  Bunny had communicated this fact to her twin when Bonny first visited her at the hospital so that Bonny could utilize his skills while in L. A.

 

"Hey, lady, wake up back there!"  The taxi driver's voice broke through Bonny's thoughts.  "We're at the hospital."

 

Bonny retrieved some bills from her handbag and handed them to the driver, directing him to keep the change.  She exited the cab and hurried through the hospital doors.  Heading straight for the elevator, she took it to the floor where Bunny's room was located.  Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the room and went swiftly to her sister's side.

 

After smoothing back the tangled hair lying there, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on Bunny's brow.  Bunny opened her eyes and stared at Bonny with confusion written on her face.  Quickly Bonny said softly, "Sweetie, it's me, Bonny.  I had to wear a disguise in case I ran into Herman.  Please don't try to talk.  I was so worried about you."

 

Bunny croaked, "Well, it's good to see you.  I feel like hell but I feel much better now just seeing your face.  Though I will admit you certainly don't look like my sister!  How ever did you get in here?  I'm really not supposed to have visitors today."

 

"James smoothed things over with the hospital," Bonny replied.  I'm so happy that he has proven to be the godsend to you that he had.  I was so sorry that I had to slip away without being able to tie up loose ends.  And it nearly killed me not to be able to contact you during the past couple of years."

 

"Let's hope that you don't ever have to disappear again.  I can hardly fathom that Herman Krause proved himself to be such a slimy bastard!  I understand that you are unable to face him yet.  But we'll work something out, you can be sure of that!" Bunny rasped.

 

"Don't talk, Bunny!  You really need to rest.  I just had to make certain that you were doing well.  For the time being, let's just keep up the pretense of my being your client," her sister responded.  "I'll go now.  Everything seems to be in order here.  I'll be back later..."

 

Bonny's voice trailed off as they heard a booming German-accented, all too familiar voice saying loudly, just outside the door, "Young lady, get out of my way.  Do you know who I am?  I'll have your job!  Bunny Hopper is practically family and I WILL see her, and I will see her NOW!"

 

Bonny's eyes, wide with terror, met her sister's.  Bunny barely had time to give her twin's hand a reassuring squeeze before the door was flung open and in strode Herman Krause.

Ryan Starkey stepped through her apartment door and closed the door behind her, flung her handbag and the mail she had collected from her box onto the sofa, and did a little jig of joy. Flinging her arms wide, she twirled round and round with glee until, dizzy, she dropped onto the couch beside her belongings. Ryan stretched out her feet and propped them on the hassock in front of her, settling comfortably into the softness of the cushions.

She thought back to the events of her shift at the hospital and smiled with pure satisfaction. It had been so ridiculously easy! Her enlightening conversation with Stephen had given her the impetus to finish the balance of the shift with energy to spare.

Wheeee, Ryan thought, hopefully I will not have to deal with that snobby, nose-in-the-air witch of a Head Nurse for much longer! She’s just jealous because she’s an old prune-faced blob and I’m young and beautiful. I can’t wait to tell her I’m quitting to work with R. Justin Guarini �?what a yummy hunk! As for that Kelly "Kilani" Clarkson, I KNOW I can outshine her; Justin won’t even know she’s there. I’ve got a way better body than that chick! My talents have been wasted at that stupid hospital. Soon everyone will know who I am!

Stephen had assured her that his contact would check that very day to make certain that Bunny Hopper was required to stay at the hospital longer than originally expected and if satisfied that was indeed the case, would messenger the promised monetary reward to Ryan that evening. Ryan could barely contain her excitement and practically raced out of the hospital when it was time to go home.

Now all she could think of was getting that money, putting it in the bank and getting on with the rest of her life. I plan to be a force to reckon with. Nobody will be able to push me around. Ryan rose from the couch, gathered her things and headed to the bedroom to strip off her uniform and put on something comfortable. All the excitement was making her hungry!

After dinner Ryan flopped down on the couch and turned on the TV. Restlessly she searched for something decent to watch and finding nothing, flipped off the set in disgust. This waiting was getting on her nerves! Crossing the room to her audio equipment, she sat cross-legged on the floor so she could go through her stack of CDs. Maybe listening to some music would soothe her. Choosing the newest CD by R&B artist, Christina C., she slipped it into the player and went back to the couch to lie down. The smooth sounds washed over her and began to calm her nervousness.

Ryan was almost asleep when a knock sounded on her door. Heart pounding in anticipation she ran to the door and opened it. There was no one there. Looking down, she noticed an envelope lying on her doorstep, with her name, Miss Ryan Starkey, typed on it in large letters. Inside was the money she had been promised.

As she wrote out a deposit slip for the next day, she idly wondered about the person who wanted to keep Bunny Hopper hospitalized; not that she cared. In fact, for all Ryan cared

Miss Hopper could stay there forever. All of that stuff was up to Stephen and the mysterious person to iron out. It was simply of no concern to her. All that mattered to Ryan was that she was finally going to get a chance to prove herself and she couldn’t wait!

Priscilla Langford opened her eyes and stretched luxuriously. Finally, she thought happily, a day off! I certainly need this. Her next thought was, Oh my goodness, what time is it…I’m supposed to meet Brian at 9:00!

Throwing back the covers, she flew out of bed. Pris rushed to the bathroom, shedding her nightie as she went, jumped into the shower and quickly washed away the last remaining shreds of sleepiness. After rinsing off, she grabbed a fluffy towel, dried herself, and then sat down to do something with her face and hair. Fortunately her hair had been freshly washed and needed little beyond a light touch with a curling iron here and there. As for makeup, she had a good complexion so not much was needed in that department either; a little blush and light eyeliner and some mascara. There, Pris thought, I look presentable now!

Slipping into a simple pantsuit that she accessorized with some good gold earrings, a tasteful braided chain necklace and a pair of low-heeled black pumps, and grabbing a light sweater and her purse, she opened her door and stepped into the hall.

Pris made her way to Harriet’s room to check on her patient and see if the nurse from the agency needed any further instruction. Finding all in order, she went down the staircase and through the door to the garden where Brian had instructed her to meet him. She looked around at the beautiful flowers, taking a deep draught of air scented by their perfume.

"Ah, there you are. Right on time." Pris turned to see Brian striding toward her. "Shall we go?"

The pair walked down the steps to a semi-circular drive where a silver convertible BMW Z3 roadster sat waiting for them. Brian opened the passenger door for Priscilla and made sure she was comfortably seated and safely belted in before closing it for her. Rounding the car, he slid into the driver’s seat, buckled his own seatbelt, and started the engine. Putting the car into gear he headed out of the driveway onto the road.

"I know a nice, fairly quiet place we can go to discuss the situation with Aunt Harriet," Brian said. "I think you’ll like it." He then concentrated on the road and Pris was left to watch the scenery as it whipped past.

After about half-an-hour, the car glided to a stop in front of a little restaurant located in a scenic setting. As Brian escorted Pris to the door, opening it to allow her to step inside, Pris looked about in delight. What a quaint little place, she thought. After they had been seated at a small cozy table situated in an out-of-the-way corner, had given their breakfast orders to the waitress and had received some coffee, she turned to Brian with a smile. "This is very nice, Brian."

"I’m glad you think so, Priscilla.

"Oh please, Brian, call me Pris. Everyone else does."

"Ok, Pris it is. Now, let’s enjoy our meal and then we’ll get to our discussion. By the way, you look very nice today."

Pris lowered her head to disguise the blush that rose to her cheeks at the admiration in his voice. She didn’t want Brian to think that she was entirely unaccustomed to such compliments. Gosh, I’m acting like a silly schoolgirl. After all, it’s probably because he’s been brought up to be polite.

Brian noticed her sudden confusion and smiled to himself. Pris seemed to be truly unspoiled, kind and gentle, unlike most of the girls he’d met in L. A. who were flashy, pouty divas.

As the couple relaxed with more coffee after having finished a delicious meal, Brian began the conversation that had brought them there. "Pris, have you ever noticed Uncle Herman asking Aunt Harriet to sign a lot of documents or coaching her on what to say during any telephone conversations?"

Furrowing her brow in thought, Pris answered. "To be honest, I have seen Mrs. Krause sign many documents. Unfortunately I don’t have a clue as to what they contain because she has never confided in me regarding such things. I have heard her muttering to herself about ‘those Hopper twins,�?and once I heard her say ‘why did Herman go after that girl…what does Bonny have that I don’t.�?I have never questioned Mrs. Krause because, frankly, I didn’t consider it any of my business. I do know that she is very unhappy and I KNOW in my heart that Mrs. Krause is bereft because Mr. Krause virtually ignores her except to have her do whatever he bids her to do. So far as the telephone goes, Mr. Krause asks me to step out of the room during any important conversations. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful."

Brian slapped his hand on the table, causing the other patrons in the restaurant to turn their heads. He smiled sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders and soon the hum of conversation rose about them once more.

"Sorry, Pris, I didn’t mean to create a scene. It just makes me feel so helpless and so angry when I hear you confirm what I know to be true. I know Uncle Herman has something up his sleeve concerning the Hopper twins but I don’t know what. I can’t confront him with my suspicions because he will either deny it or tell me it is none of my business, or both. I also want to maintain a low profile, allowing Uncle Herman to persist in his opinion that I am just a ‘twit�?and therefore no threat to him. I hate to put you in the middle of this predicament, but why don’t you casually mention the fire at Bunny Hopper’s house and see what Aunt Harriet’s reaction is. Perhaps that will pave the way for a further conversation with her concerning the Hopper twins. You haven’t been here long enough to have known how Aunt Harriet was before she became housebound and depressed. However, I know that Harriet Dunkleman Krause used to be a very strong and determined woman. After all, she defied Uncle Herman by bringing me to live at Krause Mansion and, believe me, he was extremely unhappy about it. That’s why I can’t accept that she has actually deteriorated into the frightened, cowed woman she appears to be. I’ll be alert when Uncle Herman is around and you can try to draw Aunt Harriet out. Hopefully together we can solve this mystery before it destroys Aunt Harriet completely."

Herman Krause strode into Bunny Hopper’s room at Cedars Sinai Hospital, still ignoring the protests of the flustered nurse.  He walked over to the bed as swiftly as his large girth would allow and, flicking his eyes over the rather flashy redhead standing there who quickly stepped out of his way, he took Bunny’s hand in his large one.

 Forgetting the woman’s presence in his haste to overcome any objections Bunny felt at his being there, Herman began to speak to the patient lying mutely in the bed.  “Bunny, I do apologize for not coming sooner.  I was not at all certain I would be welcome, but I had to assure myself that you are in no danger and that you are being properly attended to.  Is there anything you require?  Would you rather convalesce in a private care facility?  I’d be pleased to arrange that, if you desire.�?/P>

Bunny surreptitiously retrieved her hand.  “Herman,�?she said, “I’m fine.  I’m being well cared for here.  I had an unfortunate reaction to one of my treatments, but everything is fine now.�?/P>

“I’m very happy to hear that, Bunny.  I honestly do care about you…and your sister.  I am so very sorry about that unwholesome incident two years ago.  I know an apology is not nearly enough, but please know that I have sincerely missed both of you and I heartily wish there was something I could do to make it up to you.�?SPAN>   Herman did his best to project total sincerity.

“Herman, your platitudes seem to be most heartfelt and genuine, but I don’t know if I can forgive you that easily.  I’ve lost my partner, and my best friend.  That’s a lot to forgive.  What do you expect me to say?�?Bunny queried.

“I’m well aware of what my actions cost you…and Bunny…and even myself.  I betrayed the trust you girls had placed in me.  Neither of you can possibly castigate me any more than I have castigated myself.  Believe me, dear, I wish I could erase what happened that terrible night, and make things between us as they were before.�?SPAN>  Herman placed his hand over his eyes as though overcome with emotion.

Sighing, he dropped his hand to his side and asked, “Have you heard from Bonny since this accident has taken place?  I simply cannot believe that she hasn’t arrived to be with you.�?/P>

“Bonny has been informed that I am safe and doing well,�?Bunny answered stiffly.  She was aware that her sister must have been suffering terribly, having to stand there silently with her attacker in such close proximity.  “Herman, I really think you should leave.  I’m actually not supposed to receive visitors today.�?/P>

Herman’s eyebrows lifted questioningly.  “Why, then, is this woman here?�?he asked rather huffily.

“She is an important client of mine from out-of-town.  She needed to discuss some important confidential matters with me and she will only be in town today.�?Bonnie replied, smoothly.  “In fact, we were just about to conclude our business when you entered the room.�?/P>

“Well, then, I shall take my leave of you, my dear.  Please contact me should there be anything at all that you either need or desire.�?/P>

As soon as the door had closed on Herman’s heels, Bonny breathed a tremulous sign. “I honestly thought I was going to collapse.  I didn’t know how much longer I could go without giving myself away.�?SPAN>  Her skin crawled as though overrun by a million tiny ants.

“Bonny, you’re going to have to face Herman sometime.  He does seem to genuinely regret his impulsive actions.  But I promise you this, when you do decide to break your silence, I shall be right there at your side.�?/P>

As Herman rode downward in the elevator, he thought to himself, there’s something familiar about that redheaded woman �?the curve of her cheek, the shape of her body, even her scent.  I wonder�?lt;?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly “Kilani�?Clarkson was beside herself with anger.  Outwardly Kilani appeared to be her normal lovely self, but inwardly what she wanted to do was spit nails and tack someone to the wall with them.  Who does that trampy Starkey wench think she is, acting like some sort of diva!  I’ll show her who the real star is!  And the way she’s all over Justin �?it’s disgusting!  Kilani sincerely hoped that Justin could see through that patent phoniness.  If it weren’t for the fact that Herman Krause had asked that the girl be given a part in the movie, Kilani would have booted her off the set on the double!

 

Captain Jackson of the L. A. Arson Squad removed his glasses, passed a hand tiredly over his face, and then settled back into his chair, which creaked beneath his weight.  OK, he thought, apparently we’re not dealing with a total dummy.  Whoever did this knew enough to either wipe the place clean of prints or wear gloves.  Captain Jackson suspected the perpetrator of the fire at Bunny Hopper’s home had worn gloves because he didn’t think he or she would have taken the time to wipe the place down and risk getting caught in the fire.

 

I wish the results of the lab test on that wineglass would get here, Captain Jackson thought dispiritedly.  I’m really tired.  All I wanted to do was put in my time until I could retire.  Now this case is consuming all of my time and endangering my marriage to boot.  Speaking of his marriage, he must call and tell Renatta that he would be home soon.  Perhaps, even though he was tired, he would offer to take her to her favorite casual Italian restaurant so she wouldn’t have to cook.  He knew she’d appreciate that.

 

Dialing the number, Captain Jackson listened to the phone ring once, twice…it was picked up on the third ring.

 

Justin returned to the set of the movie and walked quickly over to Kilani, feeling Ryan Starkey’s heated gaze as she followed his every move. "It’s a wonder she isn’t licking her lips and drooling; I feel like a filet mignon," Justin muttered under his breath.

Kilani isn’t going to be much better, sighed Justin. She was trying to project a calm appearance, but was rather unsuccessful as evidenced by her tapping foot and flashing eyes. Justin flopped down into his chair and waited for Kilani’s onslaught of words.

"Well, are we ready to get back to work Mr. Romeo."

"Hey girl, what’s that for? I haven’t done anything to encourage that woman. Don’t jump all over me because she’s panting like a bitch in heat!" Justin said indignantly. "In fact, I’ve been trying my best to avoid her."

"Sorry, Jus. It’s just that she’s making me ill. I know you’re good-looking and sexy as hell but she is nauseating."

"Bear with it for a while, Kilani. She’s only got a bit part and hopefully she’ll be out of our hair soon."

"Can’t be soon enough for me," Kilani replied wrathfully.

Meowww. Women�?/FONT>thought Justin with amusement. That’s one of the reasons I love Bunny…she’s above this type of juvenile behavior. She’s classy, besides being extremely intelligent.

For her part, Kilani couldn’t understand the strength of her reaction to Ryan Starkey. It wasn’t as though she were in love with Justin - she loved Simon. It was just that any female of Ryan’s type brought out the worst in her. That type was so, well, trashy! And, Kilani had to be truthful, watching Ryan stung because she could see her own behavior in regard to Simon and she didn’t like to think that she had acted so foolishly. Kilani resolved to act more maturely where Simon was concerned. She truly loved him and wanted to make him happy. I am going to sever ties with Herman Krause; I’ll tell him I’ve had enough. I don’t want to play his game any longer. If I’m not careful I’m going to lose the man I love. I have to find a way to convince Simon that I’m the woman for him.

The director’s call that shooting was about to resume dragged Kilani back to the moment. Getting to her feet she commented to Justin, "OK Jus, let’s get this over with so little Miss Starkey can crawl back under whatever rock she crawled from beneath."

Justin rose, trying to keep his sigh of exasperation from being heard. He would be SO happy when this was over. Women!